Crespo striving to prove a point

By Paolo Menicucci

Chelsea blues
In 2003 Crespo was playing for FC Internazionale Milano when the Nerazzurri lost on away goals, ironically against Milan, while last season the wily forward was wearing the Chelsea FC shirt when the Londoners were defeated 5-3 on aggregate by AS Monaco FC.

Final chapter
"Reaching the final is a huge satisfaction after losing two semi-finals in the last two seasons," Crespo told uefa.com. "Together with my team-mates we managed to reach the most important game of the season. I'm obviously very happy and I hope to have an important role in the final, help the team to win and write the final chapter of this fantastic season."

Double trouble
The 29-year-old striker joined Milan on loan from Chelsea last summer and was crucial for the Rossoneri en route to the final, especially in the first knockout stage when he scored both goals in the 2-0 aggregate win over Manchester United FC. He hopes to continue his habit of scoring against English sides in Istanbul. "I dream of scoring a goal, maybe the deciding goal. It really would be excellent. But Liverpool are a very strong side and it won't be easy to defeat them."

Strong defence
The former Parma FC and S.S. Lazio striker expects a very defensive display from the English side in Istanbul. "They will use all their weapons in the best possible way," he said. "They are very strong in defence so they will try to defend and counterattack. We have to try to control the game because I'm sure we are able to do it. We need to score one goal to force them to open up and leave us more space to attack.

Balanced tie
"We know it won't be easy to score against them because Liverpool managed to keep teams like Chelsea and Juventus at bay," he added. "We also need to be attentive because they have dangerous players in attack. With the two sides well-matched, it will be a very difficult game."

Recuperation period
Crespo concedes he has not been in top form in the last month with coach Carlo Ancelotti resting him in a few games in order to have him back in the best possible physical condition for the final part of the season. Last Friday the Argentinian staked his claim for a starting place when he was named man of the match in a 3-3 draw against US Città di Palermo. The performance put Crespo in the driving seat as he fights for the right to partner Andriy Shevchenko in attack ahead of Filippo Inzaghi and Jon Dahl Tomasson.

Starting place
Crespo has enjoyed a special relationship with Ancelotti since their time together at Parma. "With Ancelotti every player is happy, even those who doesn't play on regular basis," he said. "This is very important for a team like Milan with so many top players in the squad."

Hidden desire
The striker has never hidden his desire to remain at Milan after his loan spell from Chelsea expires in June. "Winning the Champions League would be a dream come true," he said. "And if we win, maybe Milan will sign me on permanent basis."